How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
As peeps who have read my posts might know, I have occasional strange symptoms but an angiogram showed clear arteries.
For instance, I get some muscle pain/cramping on my left torso and chest muscle from time to time.....it freaked me out at first, but doesn't seem to fit any cardiac symptoms and anyway, the angiogram was clear. I still get the occasional PVC, had about 20 today. The chest muscle issue seems to happen when I've slept on my small couch or on my side cuddling the wife, ie, it seems very unlikely to be anything serious.
Still, I'd like to keep in touch with a cardiologist, and the one I went to is a true turkey. I'd prefer a non-interventional cardiologist for now. Any idea how to find one in the Los Angeles area? Google seems full of job listings but not information on how to find one.
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
A good place to check out doctors (at least places that don't charge a fee, like healthgrades.com) is the area's medical schools. I know UCLA lists all their docs, so check out the areas of interest and board certs of their cardiologists (only 5 are listed as board certified interventional cardiologists), and then follow up on the name(s) that interest you and see if they have a practice and are accepting new patients (since residents and fellows will only take patients coming directly to the hospital on a referral).
example - [url]http://dgsom.healthsciences.ucla.edu/institution/groups-detail?group%5fid=13035[/url]
There is also citysearch.com, where you could searh for cardiologists by area, but it won't give you any details about their areas of speciality, interest or certifications.
Just thought of a couple more:
WebMD's find a physician - [url]http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/home.aspx?sponsor=core[/url]
And check if your insurance provider has a database of physicians you can search. My health insurance provider's web site (you have to be a member to use it) has detailed profiles of physicians by area.
Last edited by Fathersson; 07-06-2006 at 09:17 AM.
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
Schrod.... just curious, why did you have an angiogram? Did they do other tests before that? I find that in the U.S. doctors are very quick to perform angiograms - sometimes they are well needed, and others .......
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
Quote:
Originally Posted by arlmon18
Schrod.... just curious, why did you have an angiogram? Did they do other tests before that? I find that in the U.S. doctors are very quick to perform angiograms - sometimes they are well needed, and others .......
.....generate handsome charges contributing to (cardiologists) annual income.
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken289
.....generate handsome charges contributing to (cardiologists) annual income.
So true. So very true.
I've detailed my tests before, but here's an overview:
* had PVCs and a nasty cough
* went to emergency room since I was heading to Australia on a business trip
* was told I was OK to go
* hacked and coughed through business trip.
* on return, went to urgent care and was told to see a cardiologist
* STILL NO ONE LOOKED INTO MY COUGH
* Cardiologist recommended treadmill test, echocardiogram, and nuclear test
* Cardiologist said treadmill test showed "possible blockage 70%" and recommended an angiogram / possible stent. Recommended that if I started to have a heart attack to go to emergency room. Scared the crap out of me.
* Asked about the cough. Got ignored.
* In desperation, started calling random doctors in my area on my health plan. Found one. He diagnosed a sinus infection and prescribed Levaquin, a powerful antibiotic used to tread pneumonia and bronchitis.
* PVCs started to go away next day. Had bronchitis and wheezing during entire course of antibiotic treatment, but it went away at end.
* had Angiogram. Came back clear.
* Followup visit to Cardiologist, he read my chart and said an angiogram was indicated. Didn't seem to recall that he had GIVEN ME ONE.
* I asked how antibiotics could clear up PVCs. He had no idea.
* Cardiologist recommended Plavix and rushed me out of his office.
Offhand, I'd say I need a new cardiologist. If indeed I need one at all.
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schroddfather
* STILL NO ONE LOOKED INTO MY COUGH
* Asked about the cough. Got ignored.
In case you were not aware, GERD (acid reflux) can commonly cause coughing, many times without associated burning sensation in chest/throat. That is my case. I take Prilosec (OTC) for it. Untreated, it can lead to other nasty things (look up Barrett's cells).
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
You had an angiogram without having a nuclear stress test and echo beforehand? My cardiologist told me that he can't see blockages on a piece of paper (this was after an abnormal treadmill test). I had a nuclear scan (mibi) and echogram. Both, thank goodness were normal. Did you at least have a chest x-ray for your cough? I wouldn't go back to that doctor, for sure. How do you feel now?
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
You say you're in the LA area? Dr. Jerome Hamburger is awesome, and works in a Cardiac Group of great doctors. He is in Encino, CA. Also, Dr. Issac Weiner is in Encino and UCLA--he's an Electrophysiologist/Surgeon/Cardiologist.
Dr. Hamburger is my Cardiologist and Dr. Weiner is my surgeon... Sounds funny, but they're a GREAT pair. Both are very conservative and won't do a thing unless totally necessary.
I don't know if either are taking new patients, but might be able to lead you in the right direction.
Just my two cents...
--Kristin
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist
Hello again,
You're very welcome! They really are tops.
If you need any other sorts of good docs, I have an entire team... (I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease too, so there's a lot to keep track of.) Opthamologist, Retinal Specialist, GI doc, Rheumatologist, Nutritionist, Dermatologist... LOL!
My favorite hospital of all time is Encino/Tarzana Medical Center... Right off of Reseda off of the 101. GREAT Hospital! I had some work done at Cedars in Westwood, but they were cold and impersonal... I weighed 100 pounds (at 5'9") and they sent me to maternity... DUH! I was there for a cardiac cath, EP study and ablation.
Good luck, and if I can help further, just let me know.
--Kristin
Re: How would I find a non-interventional cardiologist 
